Table Etiquette

DON'T

• Don't wear a hat.

• Don't flirt with anyone, not even your partner.

• Don't slip your shoes off-it can be embarrassing if you can't find them.

• Don't sit or eat before your host or hostess unless requested.

• Don't tuck the napkin in your neckline, do place it on your lap.

• Don't burp or blow your nose on the napkin, or break wind (even quietly).

• Don't season until tasting.

• Don't reach for a needed object, ask the person nearest it to pass.

• It is bad form to ask for anything except seasoning.

• Don't lean over the table or recline in the chair.

• Don't drink from the finger bowl.

• Don't laugh loudly, shout, tell vulgar jokes or swear.

• Don't speak on race, finances, religion, politics or death.

• Don't speak and eat at the same time.

• Don't speak simultaneously with others.

• Don't swap food with another guest.

• Don't steal food from another's plate.

• Don't wipe the plate clean with bread.

• Don't eat with your fingers unless the host or hostess does.

• Don't eat from serving or eating utensils.

• Don't use an eating utensil if it falls on the floor.

• Don't ask for seconds-there may be none left.

• Do not use a toothpick.

• Don't compare your meal with any others.

• Unless asked by your host/ess never take a plate of food to a dinner party.

• Never leave lipstick on a glass or cup.

• Don’t scrape/knock your spoon on the bowl while extracting the muesli.

DO

• Arrive on time. If the unforeseen happens resulting in your late arrival contact your host/ess and advise, asking if they'd prefer you take a rain-check.

• Take a small gift for your host hostess.

• Turn your mobile phone off or to silent.

• Leave your pre-dinner drink to the table.

• Place your bag, keys and eyeglasses either under or somewhere away from the table.

• Speak quietly and do not laugh loudly.

• Agree with host or hostess on all subjects, or remain silent.

• Use eating utensils supplied, do not ask for another type.

• Allow your food to cool in it's own time — never blow on it.

• Tip soup bowl away from you, the pudding bowl toward you.

• Use fork whenever possible, not the spoon-even for ice cream.

• Remove a pip or unwanted small piece of food with your thumb and index finger. If the unwanted item is large excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. Otherwise quietly remove unwanted matter with fork and deposit it on the side of plate.

• Peel fruit with knife provided and cut it into bite sized pieces.

• Place knife and fork on plate horizontally away from you when finished. Leave you plate where it is and do not push it away.

• Propose a toast to your host or hostess or to both.

• If you are the recipient of a toast, keep your glass at arm’s length — never drink from it. Instead, simply smile and say, “Thank you.”

• Compliment host/ess on choice of menu even if it made you sick.

• As soon as possible, preferably the next day, send a thank you note, card, flowers or, in extreme cases, champagne.